tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32831831492871799242024-03-12T20:39:28.331-04:00Phoebe's Cottage KitchenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-42095654350239258392019-09-19T01:04:00.000-04:002019-09-23T10:52:59.915-04:00Autumnal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 20px; text-indent: -20px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: #ead1dc;">"That time of year thou mayst in me behold"</i></span></span></blockquote>
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~Shakespeare </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Tis Autumn here in my midst, unto mine eye doth they glimpse</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Ye reflect upon the sky whilst forever shimmer, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and dance within nature's golden glimmer </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and thine refresh souls heartfelt and true, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>dousing a breath of blessed wind through and through.</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-9602740528501464562015-10-31T19:02:00.003-04:002015-10-31T19:02:21.576-04:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCBCMrIIiYA/VjVIa4GcadI/AAAAAAAACVw/LjVahNSzcoo/s1600/Happyhalloweenbw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCBCMrIIiYA/VjVIa4GcadI/AAAAAAAACVw/LjVahNSzcoo/s320/Happyhalloweenbw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-46097331276116865822015-10-30T07:14:00.003-04:002015-10-30T07:24:54.191-04:00Magic of Autumn...<center>
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“The magic of autumn has seized the countryside;<br />
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now that the sun isn’t ripening anything<br />
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it shines for the sake of the golden age;<br />
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for the sake of Eden; to please the moon for all I know.”<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #b45f06;">~ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #b45f06;">Elizabeth Coatsworth</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-44212026560819979262015-10-29T08:26:00.001-04:002015-10-29T08:27:18.676-04:00<br />
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Phoebe’s Life & Style</div>
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<a href="http://phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6NkGvV6loI/VjH-_WzrjMI/AAAAAAAACVY/qQQGXagHzSo/s320/pumpkin-wreath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com/">http://phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(174, 25, 22); color: #ae1916; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 14px;">Autumn Harvest…</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd-5kcD__W4/Vi1HSnShm5I/AAAAAAAABz0/7LhYSLUtP6s/s1600/IMG_7677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd-5kcD__W4/Vi1HSnShm5I/AAAAAAAABz0/7LhYSLUtP6s/s320/IMG_7677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>preserves and herbs...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1xx3-rRWU/Vi1HVJVc9JI/AAAAAAAAB0U/4g6sY6Xu2_U/s1600/IMG_7680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1xx3-rRWU/Vi1HVJVc9JI/AAAAAAAAB0U/4g6sY6Xu2_U/s320/IMG_7680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;"> magic in the conservatory...</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-od13GylmfCs/Vi1HM5rQgII/AAAAAAAABy8/I9aQt_F9hVg/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-od13GylmfCs/Vi1HM5rQgII/AAAAAAAABy8/I9aQt_F9hVg/s320/IMG_7669.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>creating a setting worthy of the season...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fksKtAdUc7I/Vi1HLD3A0cI/AAAAAAAABys/pqGHpbck9Ng/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fksKtAdUc7I/Vi1HLD3A0cI/AAAAAAAABys/pqGHpbck9Ng/s320/IMG_7667.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>lovely muted tones...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8o4G06Ta24/Vi1HHy4RojI/AAAAAAAAByE/xXQsMqPmtFA/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8o4G06Ta24/Vi1HHy4RojI/AAAAAAAAByE/xXQsMqPmtFA/s320/IMG_7662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">hmmm... where to put the gourds...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">an au natural chandelier for our feast among the trees</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVnmYkD5tRM/Vi1HJZCh2HI/AAAAAAAAByQ/wnWE1pVMg3A/s1600/IMG_7664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVnmYkD5tRM/Vi1HJZCh2HI/AAAAAAAAByQ/wnWE1pVMg3A/s320/IMG_7664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>some wonderful woolen throws that I love to drape over my shoulders on cool autumn evenings</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>the beauty of hanging baskets brings warmth...</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">getting creative...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">a star from Amish country that I decorated with some colorful foliage</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6msAq189ls/UCcayuwC-8I/AAAAAAAABBM/iVFhDW2QtF8/s1600/outdoor%2Bdining%2Btable%2Bwith%2Bpaper%2Blantern%2Bchandeliers%2B-%2Bparty%2Bdesign%2Band%2Bdecor%2B-%2Boutdoor%2Bdining%2B-%2Boutdoor%2Bdecor%2Band%2Bdesign%2Bvia%2Bpinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6msAq189ls/UCcayuwC-8I/AAAAAAAABBM/iVFhDW2QtF8/s320/outdoor%2Bdining%2Btable%2Bwith%2Bpaper%2Blantern%2Bchandeliers%2B-%2Bparty%2Bdesign%2Band%2Bdecor%2B-%2Boutdoor%2Bdining%2B-%2Boutdoor%2Bdecor%2Band%2Bdesign%2Bvia%2Bpinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ae1916; font-family: Zapfino;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(174, 25, 22); font-size: 14px;">Celebrate!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ae1916; font-family: Zapfino;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(174, 25, 22); font-size: 14px;">~Phonbe</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-90724101517175313182015-10-28T18:05:00.001-04:002015-10-28T18:08:51.294-04:00Autumnal sunshine...<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(174, 25, 22); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ae1916; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
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“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as<br />
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autumnal sunshine by staying in the house”<br />
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~ Nathanial Hawthorne</div>
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The American Notebooks</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-264992289943253052015-10-25T18:42:00.000-04:002015-10-25T18:56:28.578-04:00Autumn colors and apple cider...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Autumn colors and apple cider…</div>
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Oh how I love autumn!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HWZU54_iX4/Vi1Z8iMyh0I/AAAAAAAACUU/38Gc6jg6iFs/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HWZU54_iX4/Vi1Z8iMyh0I/AAAAAAAACUU/38Gc6jg6iFs/s320/IMG_4362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-11491857981605876172014-02-04T10:56:00.000-05:002014-02-04T13:00:27.202-05:00Arnica…<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So sore!!!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I worked out way too hard yesterday and can barely move. It's a good pain, but still pain.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My absolute fav go-to muscle fixer…</span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yuH9m8hMbA/UvD9-SPrn_I/AAAAAAAABII/m3Z-QTfPX0s/s1600/IMG_8604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yuH9m8hMbA/UvD9-SPrn_I/AAAAAAAABII/m3Z-QTfPX0s/s1600/IMG_8604.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badger Ginger, Arnica & Cayenne Massage Oil<br />
link to purchase<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-479-ginger-deep-tissue-massage-oil.aspx" target="_blank">here</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">~<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Arnica</span> ~</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arnica has been a natural remedy through the ages in the form of a topical application. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It actually does work for muscle and cartilage pain, swelling and such that comes with sprains, aches, inflamed areas, and joint problems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The rub I prefer is a massage oil of ginger, arnica, cayenne, vitamin E, & whole plant oils… </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.badgerbalm.com/">www.badgerbalm.com</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory. The compounds are effective for stiff, aching muscles & joints. Antioxidants in ginger suppress toxic free radicals that promote tissue damage & inflammation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance that is effective at blocking pain. It tricks the brain into thinking that the skin is being exposed to extreme heat and allows the nervous system to respond by releasing a neurotransmitter until no more pain signals can travel from that area to the brain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This massage oil is always on the ready in my house… <i><span style="color: #990000;">love</span></i> this stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-80834953718321449462014-02-03T11:23:00.001-05:002014-02-03T12:27:27.521-05:00Nutty balls…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXY1VqdH0u4/Uu-1y5bucqI/AAAAAAAABGU/z7bcqSxGLE4/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXY1VqdH0u4/Uu-1y5bucqI/AAAAAAAABGU/z7bcqSxGLE4/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been having more than my share of cravings lately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Rather than ignore my body talking to me, I try to accommodate it in a healthy way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's like staying in tune with yourself knowing exactly what those cells are needing, and rewarding yourself by feeling energized, alert, and ready to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These delicious nutty protein balls pack a punch of nutrition,can really be enjoyed any time of day, and they always satisfy!</span></div>
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(<i>makes about 14 nutty balls</i>)</div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgzfjz9rXpg/Uu-1ary2kUI/AAAAAAAABC8/YXujYN2QWLM/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgzfjz9rXpg/Uu-1ary2kUI/AAAAAAAABC8/YXujYN2QWLM/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuAOsGtDBbo/Uu-1mzZ3huI/AAAAAAAABEY/un06q4zEfsM/s1600/IMG_8621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuAOsGtDBbo/Uu-1mzZ3huI/AAAAAAAABEY/un06q4zEfsM/s1600/IMG_8621.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - 3/4 cup of almonds</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 3/4 cup of walnuts</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28px;">- 4 tbsp Spectrum Decadent Blend Chia and Flax Seed with Coconut and Cocoa</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INzBcenZi-s/Uu-1eNOLTdI/AAAAAAAABDY/7_xS0PXVlWA/s1600/IMG_8614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #222222; float: right; font-family: AdobeGaramondW01-Regula, Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INzBcenZi-s/Uu-1eNOLTdI/AAAAAAAABDY/7_xS0PXVlWA/s1600/IMG_8614.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 2 tbsp of cinnamon</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54bhg_WKC18/Uu-1hOiFqfI/AAAAAAAABDw/egDoMjXSaPQ/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #222222; float: left; font-family: AdobeGaramondW01-Regula, Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54bhg_WKC18/Uu-1hOiFqfI/AAAAAAAABDw/egDoMjXSaPQ/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 tbsp of avocado oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 tbsp of protein powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 tbsp of raw cacao powder</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YES9MXdaNE/Uu-1rs2SheI/AAAAAAAABFI/kVcLIyGd4Ic/s1600/IMG_8627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #222222; float: right; font-family: AdobeGaramondW01-Regula, Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YES9MXdaNE/Uu-1rs2SheI/AAAAAAAABFI/kVcLIyGd4Ic/s1600/IMG_8627.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 tbsp of water</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDYt2L3nZY/Uu-1kM-eEzI/AAAAAAAABEE/7sGMMrjKLRo/s1600/IMG_8619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #222222; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDYt2L3nZY/Uu-1kM-eEzI/AAAAAAAABEE/7sGMMrjKLRo/s1600/IMG_8619.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 cup of medjool dates, pitted</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1/4 cup of California figs</span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Do:</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mneyIEROLj4/Uu-1aSGpthI/AAAAAAAABC0/OMzB3nU_4ms/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mneyIEROLj4/Uu-1aSGpthI/AAAAAAAABC0/OMzB3nU_4ms/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a nut & spice grinder, grind almonds and walnuts into a powdery flour.</div>
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Mix in a large bowl with next 6 ingredients (through water).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic91zcnQmog/Uu-1Z5DYtNI/AAAAAAAABCw/UqhogRa6pr0/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic91zcnQmog/Uu-1Z5DYtNI/AAAAAAAABCw/UqhogRa6pr0/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IldWoYWOgaE/Uu-1dkWb0BI/AAAAAAAABDU/2O58qm8g78c/s1600/IMG_8613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IldWoYWOgaE/Uu-1dkWb0BI/AAAAAAAABDU/2O58qm8g78c/s1600/IMG_8613.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oijvTt3msEI/Uu-1dddt61I/AAAAAAAABDQ/zoZZcwEqlOE/s1600/IMG_8612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oijvTt3msEI/Uu-1dddt61I/AAAAAAAABDQ/zoZZcwEqlOE/s1600/IMG_8612.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Xt8WYO7RM/Uu-1g2Vor1I/AAAAAAAABDs/3_AZrZC0HNw/s1600/IMG_8615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Xt8WYO7RM/Uu-1g2Vor1I/AAAAAAAABDs/3_AZrZC0HNw/s1600/IMG_8615.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: AdobeGaramondW01-Regula, Georgia, serif; line-height: 28px;">Puree dates & figs, then add to mixture and blend until moist and smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: AdobeGaramondW01-Regula, Georgia, serif; line-height: 28px;">With hands on, form snack sized balls and chill!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Makes about 14 balls!</i></span></div>
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A serving = 1 nutty ball</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gataeNH39GY/Uu-15uamP3I/AAAAAAAABHM/MnePe9Jv9qY/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gataeNH39GY/Uu-15uamP3I/AAAAAAAABHM/MnePe9Jv9qY/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nom nom nom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These nutty balls that are oh so easy to make and keep in the fridge, so when you're feeling naughty, you can sneak one and savor the goodness!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CcK-MTmcO0/Uu-10ZDL_lI/AAAAAAAABGk/diTP1N5C2X0/s1600/IMG_8639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CcK-MTmcO0/Uu-10ZDL_lI/AAAAAAAABGk/diTP1N5C2X0/s1600/IMG_8639.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Love!</i></span></div>
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<b><i>Nutritional info per serving:</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calories 164</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Fat:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sat. Fat .9 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Polyunsatured 3.1 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monounsaturated 1.3 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trans 0 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cholesterol 0 mg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sodium 10.7 mg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Potassium 162 mg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Carbs 16.8 g</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fiber 3.7 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sugars 11.7 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Protein 4.5 g</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vitamin A 7.6 % of daily recommended</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vitamin C 7.6 %</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calcium 12.4 %</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Iron 13.2 %</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-72806491677544848422014-01-30T10:29:00.001-05:002014-01-30T11:53:32.731-05:00Simple Salad of the day…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's nothing more satisfying than creating a naturally beautiful meal with just a few ingredients…</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtWyIoNMrPo/UuldAJE6eaI/AAAAAAAABAA/f2n-QTvciig/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtWyIoNMrPo/UuldAJE6eaI/AAAAAAAABAA/f2n-QTvciig/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I've made a salad by throwing together </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some greens from the fridge, fresh figs, and avocado!</div>
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Love!</div>
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Soooooo easy, sooooo perfect!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-45307260295667247262014-01-29T12:46:00.000-05:002014-01-29T16:19:36.048-05:00Super rich green smoothie…I created this smoothie yesterday, just based on what I was craving… and I have to say that the avo really took it over the top to make it a really rich & lovely treat!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDS5zdeMkgc/Uuk8nOAbdvI/AAAAAAAAA-k/TAinOWQUyro/s1600/IMG_8583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDS5zdeMkgc/Uuk8nOAbdvI/AAAAAAAAA-k/TAinOWQUyro/s1600/IMG_8583.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 cups water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
avo</div>
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red chard</div>
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green chard</div>
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baby spinach</div>
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baby kale</div>
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celery</div>
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English cucumber</div>
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asian pear</div>
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ginger root</div>
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1/2 lemon - juice</div>
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maca powder</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-86718553068798192562014-01-28T11:31:00.001-05:002014-01-28T11:32:13.437-05:00Polar Vortex Smoothie…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09GjiGKp6j4/UufawlAn2lI/AAAAAAAAA98/uJUPLnNDtb8/s1600/natural_snowy_lapland_beautiful_hd_wallpaper-other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09GjiGKp6j4/UufawlAn2lI/AAAAAAAAA98/uJUPLnNDtb8/s1600/natural_snowy_lapland_beautiful_hd_wallpaper-other.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is there such a thing as a warm smoothie for those moments when one just cannot fathom drinking something cold? Yes! In fact, I find it is the perfect solution for defrosting my frozen self following the dangerously icy trek from the car to the front door… here is one that I absolutely can't wait to get home to make, just as eskimo mode starts to set in & become my mindset:<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">honeycrisp apple</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ cup hemp or almond milk</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">¼ teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">raw organic honey </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">allspice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">adventurous souls</span> may try to add other ingredients ~ </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>some ideas…</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>ginger</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>star anise</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>raisins</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>dates</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>figs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>walnuts</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>pecans</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>almonds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>banana</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>maple or pecan syrup</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blend, then heat however you prefer… pour into a nice big mug & sprinkle with cinnamon! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">mmmm</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">… </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>sooooo</i><i> yummy</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0dfyntVng4/UufYhyGZr1I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/_XIL2KCr2cU/s1600/IMG_7338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0dfyntVng4/UufYhyGZr1I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/_XIL2KCr2cU/s1600/IMG_7338.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Love!</i></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-63899006937488200562014-01-25T00:21:00.000-05:002014-01-25T00:21:29.184-05:00Pomegranates!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Superfood Salad!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxZ-TSuczhU/UuMTDcWsuAI/AAAAAAAAA68/zwR5kPEz1q0/s1600/photo-128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxZ-TSuczhU/UuMTDcWsuAI/AAAAAAAAA68/zwR5kPEz1q0/s1600/photo-128.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">One of my absolute favorite dishes is a quinoa salad with avos & poms!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWn8YTxBe2w/UuMTEHyDqtI/AAAAAAAAA7I/z5UmhFTu7b4/s1600/photo-129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWn8YTxBe2w/UuMTEHyDqtI/AAAAAAAAA7I/z5UmhFTu7b4/s1600/photo-129.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">… drizzle a bit of honey & balsamic glaze…</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhI1LmhzTbY/UuMTE1J8CGI/AAAAAAAAA7M/v9vYxAo-0rM/s1600/photo-130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhI1LmhzTbY/UuMTE1J8CGI/AAAAAAAAA7M/v9vYxAo-0rM/s1600/photo-130.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">& enjoy!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love!</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-86121006667676161672014-01-24T09:54:00.000-05:002014-01-24T09:54:22.974-05:00Bath Tea…<div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One of the most decadent luxuries in a particularly frigid winter is that of a long soak in a steamy bath with a lovely cup of tea, aromatic spices carried through the escaping steam from the tub… talk about cozy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, I tried combining the two into one… why not infuse my bath with those same spicy ingredients? Why not have the real deal as opposed to those "scented" store bought bath soaks? Hey, what a novel idea!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All in a "sachet" (a cheesecloth tied with string will do the trick), I very simply combined the following ingredients…</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYf6SwtQbSo/UuJ4Y4GeqII/AAAAAAAAA6U/hGviXgM5Fs4/s1600/13274578-star-anise-cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYf6SwtQbSo/UuJ4Y4GeqII/AAAAAAAAA6U/hGviXgM5Fs4/s1600/13274578-star-anise-cinnamon.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Whole cloves</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Cinnamon sticks</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Star anise</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ginger root, peeled & chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Whole nutmeg, crushed</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZE7UZQc-dA/UuJ-FgnQP5I/AAAAAAAAA6w/PLfFvyk2_E4/s1600/magicbath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZE7UZQc-dA/UuJ-FgnQP5I/AAAAAAAAA6w/PLfFvyk2_E4/s1600/magicbath.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-63856037976304417492014-01-22T10:57:00.000-05:002014-01-22T13:00:28.627-05:00Warmth on a Cold Winter's Day…<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ green tea latte ~</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Snow.<br />
<br />
I have to admit, I love snow. I love winter. It makes appreciating those special little things like getting cozy that much more special. After all, how can there be such a harmonious balance of awesomeness without such "polar" opposites? lol… anyway, this morning I decided to celebrate the loveliness and beauty of winter by treating myself and concocting a yummy green tea latte! Yum!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLYUBxPQlkM/Ut_m2eGqDaI/AAAAAAAAA5k/lK797M14tYY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLYUBxPQlkM/Ut_m2eGqDaI/AAAAAAAAA5k/lK797M14tYY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwzDvoIPGDQ/Ut_mzXSdQMI/AAAAAAAAA5I/vENllj9koTE/s1600/IMG_8492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwzDvoIPGDQ/Ut_mzXSdQMI/AAAAAAAAA5I/vENllj9koTE/s1600/IMG_8492.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gNg_UOitDY/Ut_mwyiRouI/AAAAAAAAA4w/j7lezPSRrEA/s1600/IMG_8489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gNg_UOitDY/Ut_mwyiRouI/AAAAAAAAA4w/j7lezPSRrEA/s1600/IMG_8489.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-YZq7d7pY/Ut_myYb2ERI/AAAAAAAAA48/Qt5F7wbbQmU/s1600/IMG_8490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-YZq7d7pY/Ut_myYb2ERI/AAAAAAAAA48/Qt5F7wbbQmU/s1600/IMG_8490.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ ingredients ~</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">matcha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">hemp milk (only because I'm slightly allergic to almond milk)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">Himalayan white honey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">cinnamon</span></div>
<br />
1 teaspoon of matcha, heat milk (do not boil) & add, stir in honey to taste depending on one's own desire for sweetness… there should be a slight froth on top… sprinkle some cinnamon on top & add a lil love!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MunE6sa1jA/Ut_mv_RkXLI/AAAAAAAAA4k/aDfv4AsUxD8/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MunE6sa1jA/Ut_mv_RkXLI/AAAAAAAAA4k/aDfv4AsUxD8/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
oh, just made these apple cider donuts this morning, all natural ingredients of course…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
great pairing with my green tea latte!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-14574997075573029332013-10-31T00:56:00.000-04:002013-10-31T00:56:09.608-04:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvn3ryUVZ4w/UnHg3Xd4UJI/AAAAAAAAA1s/eoso1NhW_Eo/s400/IMG_7652.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">~ <a href="http://phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enter Phoebe's Life & Style!</span></a> ~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">_________________________</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-24228107633706390502013-08-19T09:26:00.000-04:002013-08-19T09:27:37.599-04:00The Crooked House of Windsor...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XCoAEqdkK4/UhEHgWeygBI/AAAAAAAAAwY/CVOSZ2iXHWQ/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XCoAEqdkK4/UhEHgWeygBI/AAAAAAAAAwY/CVOSZ2iXHWQ/s400/IMG_0076.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Street, Windsor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The above is a photo I took of the Market Cross House a few weeks ago...</span><br />
<br />
<i>a special historical perspective...</i><br />
Located just outside of Windsor Castle, the Market Cross House was built in 1592,<br />
serving to compliment the outdoor market in the town cross,<br />
where a statue of Queen Victoria stands today</div>
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<br /></div>
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in 1687, the council wanted to build a Guildhall on the property,</div>
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(which still stands, and its close proximity to</div>
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the Crooked House can be seen in my photos)</div>
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the house was demolished... disputes over the land followed, </div>
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and the council was ordered to rebuild & just trim down the size of the Guildhall! </div>
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<i>What makes it crooked you ask?</i></div>
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Well, it seems they used unseasoned green oak!</div>
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<br /></div>
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There have been shops of several varieties inhabiting this little house, </div>
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(butcher, jeweler, brewery, antique shop, gift shop, & currently houses a tea room)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoFPmB_l7uA/UhEHeVkdxgI/AAAAAAAAAwE/6ERwuZtqyHY/s1600/DSC07801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoFPmB_l7uA/UhEHeVkdxgI/AAAAAAAAAwE/6ERwuZtqyHY/s400/DSC07801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Changing of the Guard<br />
The Crooked House in the background!<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">~Secrets of The Crooked House~</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Downstairs, the basement keeps many secrets...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Dating back centuries, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">there have been scandalous affairs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">and hidden lovers </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">kept by kings and other royals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">There is a secret passageway in the basement leading directly to Windsor Castle, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">and was originally intended to serve as a means for getting supplies to the castle kitchen, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">but the creative lovers found this as a very useful way to carry on secret trysts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>The passageway is now sealed...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>some of the lovely ladies who met with King Charles II...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lIt9f2rl0g/UhEfQhzri8I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/5gdSHOjOe2s/s1600/Portsmouth+Lely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lIt9f2rl0g/UhEfQhzri8I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/5gdSHOjOe2s/s1600/Portsmouth+Lely.jpg" /></a></div>
Louise de Kerouaille<br />
Nell Gwyn's rival<br />
mother of Charles Lennox (illegitimate son of Charles II)<br />
spy for the French<br />
ancestress of both wives of The Prince of Wales<br />
(Diana, Princess of Wales, & Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVnzxxIP4D4/UhEeGg_6qDI/AAAAAAAAAxA/V88DF_X_xdA/s1600/sir-peter-lely-probable-portrait-of-nell-gwynne-mistress-of-king-charles-ii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVnzxxIP4D4/UhEeGg_6qDI/AAAAAAAAAxA/V88DF_X_xdA/s320/sir-peter-lely-probable-portrait-of-nell-gwynne-mistress-of-king-charles-ii.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Nell Gwyn<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eszDzsUdY8c/UhEe2BXriVI/AAAAAAAAAxI/vOj8UFOaLiU/s1600/Villiers+Cleveland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eszDzsUdY8c/UhEe2BXriVI/AAAAAAAAAxI/vOj8UFOaLiU/s1600/Villiers+Cleveland.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Barbara Villiers, the Duchess of Portsmouth</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Barbara Palmer (Villiers), 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Children:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Children: Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton, and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Louise Ren</span>ée de Penancoët de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, mother of Charles Lennox (1st Duke of Richmond)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>Barbara was beautiful, intelligent, sensual and dangerous...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>and one of King Charles II’s many mistresses</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>Renowned for her intelligence, charm, ferocity & luminous beauty, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>she shagged her way to the top with both male and female lovers, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>but remained ‘The Lady’ to the end</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1iDH-JDKn8/UhIP72I6nlI/AAAAAAAAAxg/3Gd-DQawwb8/s1600/King-Charles-II-king-charles-ii-25008587-400-685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1iDH-JDKn8/UhIP72I6nlI/AAAAAAAAAxg/3Gd-DQawwb8/s320/King-Charles-II-king-charles-ii-25008587-400-685.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>King Charles II</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>If ever you happen to find yourself in Windsor,</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>the Crooked house is an absolute must see,</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i>but hold on to your teacups!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-89531240325847764442013-08-17T09:41:00.000-04:002013-08-17T09:54:25.386-04:00Summer Magic...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>End of summer... </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cannot even describe the excitement building as autumn approaches!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As always, the end of August just makes me all giddy... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To celebrate this special time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe the best way to truly embrace this moment is to have a <i>'Simmer Party'</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's a Simmer Party?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Simply put, <i>Summer & Dinner</i> & the whole 'simmering' down of the season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite decor is boho/gypsy/romantic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One must share this lil soiree amidst nature, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">beneath the starry skies,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">with close friends</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> & some good food and wine on hand...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvEeEFHTx_U/UCXESDPGMEI/AAAAAAAAAfM/5A1U1wX7u1I/s1600/img2l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvEeEFHTx_U/UCXESDPGMEI/AAAAAAAAAfM/5A1U1wX7u1I/s1600/img2l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCSXxuGVVrA/Ug7tl53p5TI/AAAAAAAAAuc/1dtOFy2MmjY/s1600/IMG_1426-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCSXxuGVVrA/Ug7tl53p5TI/AAAAAAAAAuc/1dtOFy2MmjY/s200/IMG_1426-600x600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Appetizer ~</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ avocado phyllo baskets ~</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">you'll need about 30 mini phyllo baskets for this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ingredients: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 avocados, 1 mango, 1 tomato, red onion, a lime, olive oil, fresh cilantro, black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">slice mango into small cubes, add to bowl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">slice avo into cubes, add to mango</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">chop tomato & add</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">thinly slice 1/2 of onion & add</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">chop fresh cilantro & add</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">lime juice & 1 tbsp olive oil on top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>lightly</i> toss & </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">spoon mix into phyllo baskets!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_h7eq14FK4/Ug72-RyrAWI/AAAAAAAAAus/qofd1hLEd3M/s1600/200809-r-watermelon-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_h7eq14FK4/Ug72-RyrAWI/AAAAAAAAAus/qofd1hLEd3M/s1600/200809-r-watermelon-salad.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Watermelon Salad ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>ingredients: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">seedless watermelon, small red onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">fresh parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">pitted Moroccan olives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">feta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>dressing</i>: whisk 1/2 cup olive oil with 3 tbspn lemon juice, 1 tspn hot sauce, salt & pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">slice 3 lbs. watermelon 1/4 inch thick, rind removed & arrange on serving dish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">top with thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped olives, & about a cup of crumbled feta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">drizzle with dressing on top & serve!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKrcH8r-1fI/Ug982FMUAVI/AAAAAAAAAu8/ynrqU0Q-1NE/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKrcH8r-1fI/Ug982FMUAVI/AAAAAAAAAu8/ynrqU0Q-1NE/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Summer Hummus ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>serve with toasted pita wedges</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cans drained chick peas (reserve liquid)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup tahini</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup lemon juice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 tblspn extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 crushed garlic cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tspn ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tspn cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 finely chopped & seeded plum tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 thinly sliced scallions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt & pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>prep</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>food processor: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">beans, reserved liquid, tahini, lemon juice, 1 tblspn oil, garlic, ginger, cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>puree til smooth</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>serve</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">transfer to serving dish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">stir in cilantro, tomato & scallions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">season with salt & pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">drizzle 2 tblspns oil on top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">garnish with cilantro leaves to make pretty!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tnxetflY1U/Ug7hOBaO1mI/AAAAAAAAAtw/L9T3cDsngiM/s1600/DSC_8736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tnxetflY1U/Ug7hOBaO1mI/AAAAAAAAAtw/L9T3cDsngiM/s200/DSC_8736.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Baguettes ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUxUcF84v0/Ug7flwB8rsI/AAAAAAAAAtk/aJgRgctroF0/s1600/SouthAfricanCornTomatoSoup_n_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUxUcF84v0/Ug7flwB8rsI/AAAAAAAAAtk/aJgRgctroF0/s200/SouthAfricanCornTomatoSoup_n_lg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Corn Soup with Tomato ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">fresh corn kernels off the cobs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a few cups of cherry tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">few cloves of garlic roughly chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the above ingredients to baking sheet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">drizzle with a lil olive oil,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt & pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake 15 min @ 400 degrees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile, on the stove, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sauté a diced onion in a lil olive oil for a few minutes til tender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">add: jarred roasted red bell peppers, chicken broth (about 6 cups),</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">paprika, chipotle chili powder, & a lil salt & fresh black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">add corn & tomatoes to stock pot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">simmer & cover</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in bowls, garnish with a few corn kernels, some chopped herbs, & a sprinkle of paprika!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efuDR13OCuM/Ug7hvQ46quI/AAAAAAAAAt4/hCCP6MtDmhc/s1600/fc82mc058-01_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efuDR13OCuM/Ug7hvQ46quI/AAAAAAAAAt4/hCCP6MtDmhc/s200/fc82mc058-01_xlg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Summer Braised Chicken & Vegetables ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ chicken thighs ~</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">seasoning for chicken:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Creole from Emeril, find in the spice section</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. season the thighs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. lightly dust thighs in flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. olive oil in a pan, add thighs & </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">cook til golden!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. parsley, sage, rosemary, & thyme </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to add garnish to serving dish </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> ~ asparagus ~</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">drizzle for asparagus:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">juice from 2 lemons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">splash white wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">tspn honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">tblspn dijon mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tblspn olive oil</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48NFSxyn2S8/Ug7ic6lk_jI/AAAAAAAAAuE/SC8ZqYkVqyA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48NFSxyn2S8/Ug7ic6lk_jI/AAAAAAAAAuE/SC8ZqYkVqyA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Pomegranate Sorbet ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">syrup - a cup of sugar, 1/2 cup water, cup of fresh mint leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">into saucepan, medium heat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bring to boil, reduce heat & simmer for a few min & stir</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">remove from heat & cool for 20 min, strain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in pitcher, combine:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">prepared syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a couple cups Pom Wonderful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a cup orange juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">pour mix into ice cream maker & freeze</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">garnish with fresh mint</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaujQM2JCIY/Ug7ivPpx5PI/AAAAAAAAAuM/u037XqsvMDE/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaujQM2JCIY/Ug7ivPpx5PI/AAAAAAAAAuM/u037XqsvMDE/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Cherry Tomatoes filled with Goat Cheese ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>c</i>ombine goat cheese with a couple tspn milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">add chopped basil & chopped chives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt & pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">spoon the herbed goat cheese into a couple dozen cherry tomatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">tip: use small melon baller to prep tomatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ The Late Summer Outdoor Evening Party ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ magical dinner party ~</i></span><br />
<i>ingredients: </i><br />
acoustic guitar, fairy lights, flowers, leaves,<br />
delicious yet simple food, wine, wonderful friends<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Dance in the moonlight!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>There is something magical about a warm, summer evening</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cH51DzrwtB4/UCcaSUxDEiI/AAAAAAAAAfg/26LIp-zkSz0/s1600/outdoor+dinner+party+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cH51DzrwtB4/UCcaSUxDEiI/AAAAAAAAAfg/26LIp-zkSz0/s320/outdoor+dinner+party+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Be still my gypsy heart!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9HsLgDK5SY/UCcacGQuBKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/32lBlBHRayY/s1600/garden5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9HsLgDK5SY/UCcacGQuBKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/32lBlBHRayY/s320/garden5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Romance...</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUsy6mZOqS0/UCcaqpHMVGI/AAAAAAAAAfw/_IyC_l-x5qs/s1600/dinner+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUsy6mZOqS0/UCcaqpHMVGI/AAAAAAAAAfw/_IyC_l-x5qs/s320/dinner+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Evening Magic!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6msAq189ls/UCcayuwC-8I/AAAAAAAAAf4/g1Lfk5z-IYY/s1600/outdoor+dining+table+with+paper+lantern+chandeliers+-+party+design+and+decor+-+outdoor+dining+-+outdoor+decor+and+design+via+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6msAq189ls/UCcayuwC-8I/AAAAAAAAAf4/g1Lfk5z-IYY/s320/outdoor+dining+table+with+paper+lantern+chandeliers+-+party+design+and+decor+-+outdoor+dining+-+outdoor+decor+and+design+via+pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>So many incredible things may be accomplished with lights!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCdx5Rqf6ds/UCcbRfuiXZI/AAAAAAAAAgA/5zhioZ5ezlE/s1600/outdoor+space+-+outdoor+patio+design+-+outdoor+dining+table+-+picnic+table+-+romantic+picnic+-+tablescape+-+table+decor+and+design+via+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCdx5Rqf6ds/UCcbRfuiXZI/AAAAAAAAAgA/5zhioZ5ezlE/s320/outdoor+space+-+outdoor+patio+design+-+outdoor+dining+table+-+picnic+table+-+romantic+picnic+-+tablescape+-+table+decor+and+design+via+pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">~ </span>John Keats<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne</i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-18600928250896862812012-10-31T16:50:00.003-04:002012-11-06T13:56:10.573-05:00Halloween Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.phoebeslifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSZYug_vaVE/UJlc3KQYKkI/AAAAAAAAArg/X-t2ykxyNY4/s1600/hallowvintage67.jpg" /></a></div>
<center>
<br /><a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/"></a></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Phoebe's Life & Style</i></span></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-69901936256184576462012-08-23T22:48:00.000-04:002012-08-23T23:02:38.934-04:00Just sayin'...<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A room that dreams are made of...</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love this... just sayin'!</span></span></div>
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Source: <a href="http://locatiarchitects.com/residential--2/recent-projects/bridger-canyon-residence" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">locatiarchitects.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/gypsylaurel/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Denise</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-46451984324005258002012-08-04T01:00:00.000-04:002012-08-07T14:42:29.800-04:00Moonlight...<center>
<br /><a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/"></a></center>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZzlVE6aT6U/UCFhh-kG-aI/AAAAAAAAAdo/9RPI96DWxpw/s1600/moon68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZzlVE6aT6U/UCFhh-kG-aI/AAAAAAAAAdo/9RPI96DWxpw/s1600/moon68.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"'Tis moonlight, summer moonlight,</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> All soft and still and fair;</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The solemn hour of midnight</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>But most where trees are sending</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Their breezy boughs on high,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Or stooping low are lending</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>A shelter from the sky.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And there in those wild bowers</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>A lovely form is laid;</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Green grass and dew-steeped flowers</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Wave gently round her head."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">~ Emily Bronte</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Moonlight, Summer Moonlight</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>The magic of moonlight... </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>ah, yes!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>Some of us love to go outside and just gaze at her wonder,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>while others take to task the labors of love</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>while reaping the rewards </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">that draw forth </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">in Mother Nature's shadow.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I so much appreciate the special time when the moon is full,</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>when one dares to dream of all that may be possible.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>The moment of losing oneself within romantic notions of dreams </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>that once brought visions of what was to come, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>only to realize that those very dreams and gypsy visions </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>have always been and always will be possible...</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>The moon is a reminder from Mother Nature to us all,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>I believe that although we sometimes forget about her </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>amidst our daily living, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>she is always there for us...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>a constant, most powerful force.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>The August Moon</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Full Moon – August 2nd<br />Last Quarter – August 9th<br />New Moon – August 17th<br />First Quarter – August 24th<br />Full Moon (Blue Moon)– August 31st</i></span></span></span></div>
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<img alt="Gypsy Comments & Graphics" border="0" height="200" src="http://magickalgraphics.com/Graphics/Miscellaneous/Gypsy/gypsy45.jpg" width="151" /><br /><a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/"></a></center>
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<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3283183149287179924"></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-89684770366837219962012-08-03T11:27:00.001-04:002014-01-28T12:32:42.283-05:00Lovely Lavender...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAkF2KQzDbsIpkGmlnYDx2g3U7eFdwA_T5Y76fsUp83b5Sp6iq-Nn3tyIcFvm-5U749J2YdDla98cdAAcdX8dVEpjLJnTnu2yaqyVrPAa_kkHa5QiLIdlMM8IY1U50YbcpMcaMKRmMaA/s320/honey+lavender+ice+cream+2.jpg" nt="true" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I love having lavender throughout my kitchen.</i></span> <br />
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<a href="http://www.deandeluca.com/ProductImg/300/511024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DEAN & DELUCA Herbes De Provence" border="0" class="product-image-display" src="http://www.deandeluca.com/ProductImg/300/511024.jpg" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_ViewProductControl1_ViewProductPagingControl1_picProduct_imgLnk" title="DEAN & DELUCA Herbes De Provence" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The fragrant plant reminds me that I should not ignore it, but rather come up with more uses. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Traditionally used in tea, my thoughts are turning to another form, such as a lovely creme brûlée...</i></span><br />
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ingredients</h2>
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<span class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">• 2 vanilla pods<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• 300ml double cream<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• 200ml whole milk<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• 8 large free-range or organic egg yolks<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• 75g sugar<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• a bunch of lavender, flowers picked<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• 4 tablespoons caster sugar</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOD5sAQwD_BAjJidf2o8k_E5MNNewrXEXAArj8FJzNvw3ibY0zmIruDGu5gxPHN0OwhYjhH0yZVBGP7kLbJfKne-Zv8SkbG2zcjJxe-HMO5h5uH89F-1KLN1CcFET3lCb0UmH3Iv2WD8/s400/LavCremeBrulee.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465348365792585266" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /><br />
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prepare...</h2>
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<span class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavender has a clean fresh flavor and is surprisingly good in cooking. </span></em><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Preheat the oven to 275°F. Score the vanilla pods lengthways and scrape out the vanilla seeds with a knife or a teaspoon. Place the seeds into a saucepan, add the pods, cream and milk and slowly bring to the boil. Remove from the heat.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Get a large bowl that will fit over your pan and beat together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Remove the vanilla pods from the pan and, little by little, add the milk and cream to the egg mixture in the bowl, whisking continuously. Add 2.5cm of hot water to your dirty pan, bring to a simmer and put the bowl on top of the pan. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes over the simmering water, stirring often, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in a small handful of <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">lavender flowers</span></i>, but the trick is <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">to be delicate</span></b></i> – you only need a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> <i><b>hint</b></i></span> of its distinctive flavor. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Remove any bubbles or froth from the mixture before dividing it between your ramekins. Stand these in a high-sided roasting tray, and fill the tray with water halfway up the ramekins. Place carefully in the preheated oven and cook for around 30 to 45 minutes or until the mixture has set but is still slightly wobbly in the centre. Allow to cool at room temperature then place in the fridge until ready.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To serve, sprinkle each crème brûlée with a tablespoon of caster sugar and some more of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>lavender flowers </i></span>and caramelize under a very hot grill or using the chef’s torch.</span><br />
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Another use for lavender in the kitchen would be to make a rub for chicken or meat. </div>
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One very well known use is a Mediterranean mixture called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Herbes de Provence</span>. </div>
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Ingredients: Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, Savory, Basil, Fennel, Marjoram...<br />
be sure to use olive oil to lock in the wonderful aromas & natural juices!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtRrpSupE0M/UBvsadjHCGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/9eHkSmfcNA4/s1600/herbesdeprovence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtRrpSupE0M/UBvsadjHCGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/9eHkSmfcNA4/s320/herbesdeprovence.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love to mix it in any dish that I prepare with feta cheese </div>
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(had this last night, and thoroughly enjoyed every bite... </div>
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perfect for a simple summer appetizer or outside meal </div>
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along with a glass of your favorite wine or sangria!)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Lavender Sugar</i></b></span></div>
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<img alt="jar of lavender sugar with fresh flowers - sweet food Stock Photo - 10082307" border="0" class="compImg" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/matka_W/matka_W1107/matka_W110700195/10082307-jar-of-lavender-sugar-with-fresh-flowers--sweet-food.jpg" title="jar of lavender sugar with fresh flowers - sweet food Stock Photo" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>The wonderful aromas in my kitchen coming from herbs </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>makes it a welcome place to be.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Other great uses for <i>Lavender</i> in the home...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uum4IpcTY0/UBvoGPjbNWI/AAAAAAAAAb0/D6BE7r793ng/s1600/wicca+tools+besoms+lavander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uum4IpcTY0/UBvoGPjbNWI/AAAAAAAAAb0/D6BE7r793ng/s320/wicca+tools+besoms+lavander.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i><b>Lavender Brooms</b></i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzZQ-0OUn68/UBvpq9-V5DI/AAAAAAAAAb8/6iFCVzwVGH8/s1600/rediscover-lavender-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzZQ-0OUn68/UBvpq9-V5DI/AAAAAAAAAb8/6iFCVzwVGH8/s200/rediscover-lavender-m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: small;"><b>Lavender Decor</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="221" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRdq1OSQH344bVNgt_IMJszWP1_GC40baE9W_fxJ2KAk_y61f0nsw" data-width="228" height="221" id="rg_hi" style="height: 221px; width: 228px;" width="228" /> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i><b>Lavender Wands...</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Lavender Quotes...</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="157" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCmRmu_LGHlz-lg_lI-HPm4hF_tdLL9z4zvosktBcs2m-y7sO7kg" data-width="321" height="195" id="rg_hi" width="400" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“There are some things, after all, that Sally Owens knows for certain: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Keep rosemary by your garden gate. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Plant roses and lavender, for luck. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Fall in love whenever you can.”<br />~ <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3502.Alice_Hoffman" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Alice Hoffman</a>, <i>Practical Magic</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Lavender is for lovers true, Which evermore be faine; </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Desiring always for to have Some pleasure for their paine: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">And when that they obtained have The love that they require, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Then have they all their perfect joie, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0a0704; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">And quenched is the fire.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">~</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Lavender and Clement Robinson </strong></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><i>(Handefull of Pleasant Delites, 1584)</i></strong></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-22762777390410352752012-08-01T21:13:00.001-04:002012-08-01T22:25:58.417-04:00Happy Lammas!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It was upon a Lammas night,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>When corn rigs are bonnie</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Beneath the moon's unclouded light,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I held awe' to Annie</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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~ Robert Burns~</div>
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<i>The Rigs O'Barley</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYj48MO3EhA/UBnSohk3zoI/AAAAAAAAAbM/io0UXiLUUGE/s1600/lammas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYj48MO3EhA/UBnSohk3zoI/AAAAAAAAAbM/io0UXiLUUGE/s320/lammas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Lammas</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or hlafmaesse (loaf mass),</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">originates from the pagan lughnasadh,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and was once a very important festival</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">marking the beginning of the harvest season...</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The feast of the first fruits</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">celebrated the first crop to be harvested,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which tended to be wheat...</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">thus making it the tradition for parishioners to </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">offer a loaf of bread </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">made from the new crop to fellow villagers</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, of all days, let us honor our traditions & make some delicious rustic loaves!!!</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-70025375076305270992012-02-13T10:30:00.003-05:002012-02-13T13:06:42.046-05:00Love Spoons...<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5U6hGXAJ9U/Tzktlvm5ArI/AAAAAAAAAZs/q-4AbJgfcwc/s1600/walesvday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5U6hGXAJ9U/Tzktlvm5ArI/AAAAAAAAAZs/q-4AbJgfcwc/s400/walesvday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cadwyngifts.com/valentines-day-gifts-c-65_81.html" target="_blank">Welsh Love Spoons</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In Welsh tradition, a man who is courting a young woman would carve a love spoon for his intended. Intricate symbolic details such as keys (to the heart), wheels (to work hard for his love), and beads (for the number of desired children), would be carefully carved </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with the intention of presenting to the one being courted.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On St. Dwynwen's Day, Welsh love spoons are one </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of the most traditional and romantic gifts that can be given.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who is Saint Dwynwen, anyway?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="237" data-width="213" id="rg_hi" 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" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She is the patron saint of lovers...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-178" height="119" src="http://lilydewaruile.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/celtic-small-heart1.jpg?w=150&h=119" title="celtic small heart1" width="150" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She was the daughter of Brchan Brycheinog, chieftain of Powys, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who lived in the fifth century.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The beautiful Dwynwen fell in love, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but rejected her love for him as her father did not approve.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>There are many variations of her legend. </i> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dwynwen prayed that she would have no memory of her true love, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and in doing so, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">an angel provided her with a potion, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which she gives to her true love and turns him to ice. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After seeing what happens to him, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">she prays for his release, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and that all lovers be watched over, and that<b> she never fall in love again.</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She banishes herself to an island off the west coast of Anglesey forever after.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/images/aberffraw-marram-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aberffraw" border="0" height="400" hspace="15" src="http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/images/aberffraw-marram-view.jpg" style="text-align: right;" vspace="15" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is well accepted that should one gaze upon the sacred fish within the magical waters </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of the well located on the grounds of Eglwys Santes Dwynwen, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">lovers' destinies will be foretold.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> St. Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on January 25th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:Ruins of Saint Dwynwen's Church - geograph.org.uk - 858103.jpg" height="301" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Ruins_of_Saint_Dwynwen%27s_Church_-_geograph.org.uk_-_858103.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fair and beautiful Dwynwen found herself cursed, and local people today believe the island to be inhabited by ancient spirits. Many legends have come from Wales, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as have many of our own families that left Wales to come to the new world. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelovespoongallery.com/ccp51/media/images/product_detail/68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.thelovespoongallery.com/ccp51/media/images/product_detail/68.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In honor of my ancestors, my Valentine's Day gift this year is a love spoon. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-29654736964112110892012-02-07T11:26:00.003-05:002012-02-07T13:27:06.690-05:00Happy Birthday, Charles Dickens...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biography.com/people/charles-dickens-9274087" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM-LFOB1hEs/TzC_AIRSlZI/AAAAAAAAAXc/awo0IkACSzU/s1600/portret.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>February 7, 1812 - June 9, 1870</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>and a touch that never hurts.”</i><br />
~ <i style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Charles Dickens</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>...it is indeed Charles Dickens' 200th birthday</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqYxDMN60zE/TzEiXm84dnI/AAAAAAAAAX0/uaOLEUnqdZU/s1600/Charles-Dickens-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqYxDMN60zE/TzEiXm84dnI/AAAAAAAAAX0/uaOLEUnqdZU/s200/Charles-Dickens-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>I have devoted myself to completely; </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">that in great aims and in small, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I have always been thoroughly in earnest.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">~ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Charles Dickens</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>David Copperfield</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Kh99q2al0/TzE4IcJ10jI/AAAAAAAAAYc/8cXOE7RPfjc/s1600/photo-38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Kh99q2al0/TzE4IcJ10jI/AAAAAAAAAYc/8cXOE7RPfjc/s200/photo-38.JPG" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">On June 8th 1870, Dickens suffered a stroke at his home, in the midst of his work on <i><b>E</b>dwin <b>D</b>rood, </i>and passed away<i> </i>the following day at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; line-height: 24px;">58 years old. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He wished to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner", instead, he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 10px;"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6rHpe6x9g/TzE6m0DXQuI/AAAAAAAAAYk/sBitJHbXLPM/s1600/_47519804_001841550-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6rHpe6x9g/TzE6m0DXQuI/AAAAAAAAAYk/sBitJHbXLPM/s200/_47519804_001841550-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dickens's last words, as reported in his obituary </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">were alleged to have been:</span></span></i></span></div><table class="cquote" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: auto; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 35px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;" valign="top" width="20">“</td><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 4px;" valign="top"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled <br />
all the rules of art<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px;">.</span></b></i></span></td><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 35px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: right;" valign="bottom" width="20">”</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"></sup></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Dickens requested that no memorial be erected to honor him. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ30ovs-ODs/TzE7UcvLvjI/AAAAAAAAAYs/7T87b62m0gs/s1600/11222011_dickens2-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ30ovs-ODs/TzE7UcvLvjI/AAAAAAAAAYs/7T87b62m0gs/s320/11222011_dickens2-600.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"><i>The only life-size bronze statue of Dickens is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Mystery of Edwin Drood was never completed...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dickens passed prior to finishing the mystery novel, and left no clues regarding how it may play out in the end. There are many writers who have attempted their own version of the conclusion to the story. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> I have two novels written by modern authors with regard to the very subject of Drood...</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okPeyaIgfko/TzElHJKSQTI/AAAAAAAAAYE/RS_TBgOKjoc/s1600/photo-31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okPeyaIgfko/TzElHJKSQTI/AAAAAAAAAYE/RS_TBgOKjoc/s200/photo-31.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first of these works of fiction would be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>D</b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rood, by Dan Simmons.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the inside jacket, there are some brief references to the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mystery behind this last work of Dickens...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"...<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Drood</span></i>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Based on actual biographical events, <i>Drood</i><i> </i>explores the still unresolved mysteries of one of our greatest writer's dark final days in a profoundly original tale..."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other of these novels that pay tribute to the last work of Dickens would be...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>T</b>he <b>L</b>ast <b>D</b>ickens</i>, <i>by Matthew Pearl</i>. </span></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrguLCLUEEc/TzEnSbPQqtI/AAAAAAAAAYM/0XW_6332XiQ/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrguLCLUEEc/TzEnSbPQqtI/AAAAAAAAAYM/0XW_6332XiQ/s200/photo-30.JPG" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taken from the book's own synopsis,</span> <i style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Last Dickens</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"...reopens one of literary history's greatest mysteries. The Last Dickens is a tale filled with the dazzling twists and turns, the unerring period details, and the meticulous research that thrilled readers of the bestsellers</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The Dante Club</i> and <i>The Poe Shadow</i>." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RomY-Ulh1Lw/TzEfpJH6QRI/AAAAAAAAAXs/9pFYvQXZ9oc/s1600/239579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RomY-Ulh1Lw/TzEfpJH6QRI/AAAAAAAAAXs/9pFYvQXZ9oc/s1600/239579.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">―</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/239579.Charles_Dickens" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Charles Dickens</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2956372" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">A Tale of Two Cities</a></i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Charles Dickens' tomb marker can be found in the Poets' Corner</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> at Westminster Abbey. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Each year on the anniversary of his birth, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>a wreath is laid on his grave.</i></span></div><br />
<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=E1NXJnMzozBmF_c_TK_fl7ABRkOZyWAV&height=315&deepLinkEmbedCode=E1NXJnMzozBmF_c_TK_fl7ABRkOZyWAV&width=560">
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<div id="hn-headline" itemprop="name" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 24px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prince Charles at Dickens celebration</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Prince of Wales today commemorated the 200th anniversary <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">of the birth of the great Victorian writer, Charles Dickens</span>.</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjCDpRnA8rg/TzEqt69N6PI/AAAAAAAAAYU/t4GouI7jdjY/s1600/photo-34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjCDpRnA8rg/TzEqt69N6PI/AAAAAAAAAYU/t4GouI7jdjY/s200/photo-34.JPG" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In London, to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens on February 7th, there was the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Dickens' grave, which is located in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey. Prince Charles himself presented this wreath upon the grave, which has been there since 1870.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An interesting take on the gathering today would have been the fact that many of the attendees were descendants of Dickens, with over 200 family members present. The Victorian novelist has left quite a legacy, and there was quite the impressive list of representatives from all walks of creative media.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8ESOImRwY/TzFEEO0_smI/AAAAAAAAAY0/uDQVXjnzU4k/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8ESOImRwY/TzFEEO0_smI/AAAAAAAAAY0/uDQVXjnzU4k/s200/photo-29.JPG" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There were readings by the g.g.grandson of Charles Dickens, Mark Dickens, as well as by Ralph Fiennes, who portrays Magwitch from Great Expectations in an upcoming film. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the Dean of Westminster... "Dickens' humanity and compassion made an extraordinary impact on Victorian England through his writings, which remain immensely popular. This bicentenary should help renew our commitment to improving the lot of the disadvantaged of our own day."</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 1.28em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gillian Anderson, who portrays Miss Havisham in the new film adaptation of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Great Expectations, paid tribute to Dickens as well today. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Here is a wonderful preview of her portrayal...</i></span></div></div><br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/P2V6gTuxE58?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“I loved her simply because I found her irresistible. Once for all; I knew to my sorrow, often and often, if not always, that I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be. Once for all; I love her none the less because I knew it, and it had no more influence in restraining me, than if I had devoutly believed her to be human perfection.”<br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/239579.Charles_Dickens" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Charles Dickens</a>, <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2612809" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Great Expectations</a></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyYwBHaJEc/TzEfWm1J8mI/AAAAAAAAAXk/MqXqfDiwKVM/s1600/Unknown-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyYwBHaJEc/TzEfWm1J8mI/AAAAAAAAAXk/MqXqfDiwKVM/s1600/Unknown-5.jpeg" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~ Happy Birthday from us all, Mr. Dickens...</span></i><br />
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</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283183149287179924.post-20105225222683167092012-02-05T10:23:00.003-05:002012-02-05T10:49:09.817-05:00Mardi Gras!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eastjeffersonparish.com/culture/MARDIGRA/HISTORY/history.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx3LQ9zSDBk/TyL-_pFoauI/AAAAAAAAAUU/MRFeriu9rIA/s1600/images-8.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's carnival season!</span></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<embed border="0" flashvars="mycolor=295908&mycolor2=55A51C&mycolor3=8BF241&autoplay=false&rand=0&f=4&vol=100&pat=14&grad=false" height="382" name="myflashfetish" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="TL" src="http://assets.mixpod.com/swf/mp3/mff-nano.swf?myid=87926349&path=2012/01/28" style="height: 382px; visibility: visible; width: 165px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="165" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.history.com/topics/mardi-gras" target="_blank">Mardi Gras</a> is a wonderful way for a gathering </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>of friends</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> to celebrate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">!</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHIhzo3Ks4/TyVW8TwnlqI/AAAAAAAAAUk/nn_UC3NGQdA/s1600/images-10.jpeg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I haven't been to New Orleans for quite some time, but I do enjoy holding my own personal Mardi Gras at home... this is really a great excuse to invite some cherished friends over for sharing of food, drink, & merriment. The welcoming of guests with decorative masks and colorful costumes adds to the excitement! I like to always have some great New Orleans music playing in the background, and have included a great little </span><a href="http://www.mixpod.com/playlist/87926349" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">sample</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">that you may play as you peruse the recipe. The magic of 'The Big Easy' awaits...</span></i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzTX0Udvhgw/Ty6Wkh8aO4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/NTKZ8M36zXU/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzTX0Udvhgw/Ty6Wkh8aO4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/NTKZ8M36zXU/s320/photo-13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ngredients</span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Olive oil</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>2 red or white onions, chopped</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>5 green onions, chopped</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1 large green bell pepper, chopped</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>chopped celery</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>4 garlic cloves, finely chopped</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>2 bay leaves</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped with seeds</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>3 tablespoon Creole Seasoning (or more)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>5 tablespoons tomato paste</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1 pound andouille sausage cut into 1/2-inch pieces</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1/2 pound ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>32 oz chicken stock</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>28 oz can plum tomatoes, diced, with liquid</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>3 cups long-grain rice</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxC1Gisr8jE/TyYc19ztzNI/AAAAAAAAAVE/WLC3zA3CdmA/s320/274370e.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">reparation</span></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdf9opk3Yyw/Ty5u-hsDwSI/AAAAAAAAAWM/3agHcVv3hN0/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdf9opk3Yyw/Ty5u-hsDwSI/AAAAAAAAAWM/3agHcVv3hN0/s200/photo-17.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Add two chopped red onions, four chopped green onions, one<span class="Apple-style-span"> chopped bell pepper, four finely chopped garlic cloves, two bay leaves, one finely chopped jalapeño, one tbspn. (or more) Creole Seasoning, one-half tspn. cayenne pepper and one-half tspn. fresh chopped oregano. </span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUC-ekq2jY/Ty5vWpTylFI/AAAAAAAAAWU/xNRFuiRjrrg/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUC-ekq2jY/Ty5vWpTylFI/AAAAAAAAAWU/xNRFuiRjrrg/s200/photo-19.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Horv7FBLUb0/TyvgrbQxVMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/uLB0yXnoTOU/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Horv7FBLUb0/TyvgrbQxVMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/uLB0yXnoTOU/s200/photo-14.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Mix in two tbspns. tomato paste. Add broth. Add sausage, ham, tomatoes and rice. Bring mixture to simmer. Feel free to add shrimp if desired.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pVy3MERp6o/TyvgSMvomTI/AAAAAAAAAV0/Bz_ZF7O7sSM/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pVy3MERp6o/TyvgSMvomTI/AAAAAAAAAV0/Bz_ZF7O7sSM/s200/photo-15.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJhFHWy0cCA/Ty6Vp2gH4II/AAAAAAAAAW0/q5oKLLQbFDQ/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJhFHWy0cCA/Ty6Vp2gH4II/AAAAAAAAAW0/q5oKLLQbFDQ/s200/photo-23.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Cover and cook until rice is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwaGQElrZgA/Ty541BpTHEI/AAAAAAAAAWk/2hFMFtfasrA/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwaGQElrZgA/Ty541BpTHEI/AAAAAAAAAWk/2hFMFtfasrA/s200/photo-25.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Garnish with remaining green onion and serve</i>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq6LmQVILH8/Ty55LIn5eHI/AAAAAAAAAWs/aQbuVe9x6VA/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq6LmQVILH8/Ty55LIn5eHI/AAAAAAAAAWs/aQbuVe9x6VA/s200/photo-16.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-indent: -10000px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-transform: lowercase;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> Laissez les bons temps rouler!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mardigrasworld.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hsCxen1cPcM/TyYhQ5OE8nI/AAAAAAAAAVc/ZTexI1zdXqg/s1600/images-9.jpeg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"></span><br />
<pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The long, gray moss that softly swings
In solemn grandeur from the trees,
Like mournful funeral draperies,--
A brown-winged bird that never sings.
A shallow, stagnant, inland sea,
Where rank swamp grasses wave, and where
A deadliness lurks in the air,--
A sere leaf falling silently.
The death-like calm on every hand,
That one might deem it sin to break,
So pure, so perfect,--these things make
The mournful beauty of this land.</i></span></pre><pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>
</i></span></pre><pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ Albert Bigelow Paine</i></span></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mardigrasguide.com/history/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrDDBmV5d9I/Tyvi-vt595I/AAAAAAAAAWE/6EnPS2sdywY/s400/377238-FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKPI7WxZ-P0/TyYdzvK4Z1I/AAAAAAAAAVM/VYQqiZ1Vi4k/s1600/images-13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><pre style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: normal;"><pre><i>
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